Damages

So I DVRed Damages on FX while on vacation and so far, it's pretty good. I just wish they get rid of Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons. She doesn't really hold her own against Glenn Close (Patty) who is excellent. Bitchy but not over the top. The real surprises here are the good performances by Tate Donovan, Anastasia Griffith (as the potential sister-in-law Katie) and evil Ted Danson. Even my favorite underated actor, Peter Facinelli, makes an appearance as the not really one night stand.

I like that the flashback sequences are the ones that look more modern while the present sequences are primarily black and white. Everyone has an agenda and no one is too sympathetic. I like that in a drama. Plus, they slowly reveal clues rather than present them all up front. The show does need some script work, particulary with the Parsons character and I could care less about Patty's family drama but it's a good solid show worth checking out.

3 out of 5 ugly bookends.